12
Feb
Harrogate hospital unveils new maternity ward garden
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Harrogate District Hospital has been donated a new private garden for its maternity ward courtyard.
The North of England Horticultural Society, which organises Harrogate Flower Shows, approached Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity about gifting a garden to the hospital.
The garden, which was featured in the spring flower show, was donated as part of the show’s legacy gardens project, which aims to give new life to the otherwise temporary gardens featured at the annual spring and autumn flower shows.
The garden incorporated some previously donated plants such as wisteria, and introduced new perennials and evergreens, alongside herbs such as thyme, lavender and marjoram.
The garden is accessible through the conservatory where expectant parents can enjoy the plants and flowers from a wooden bench.
Jonathan Coulter, chief executive at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, led a ceremony before the gardens were transformed over a week.
Nick Smith, director for Harrogate Flower Show said:
Legacy is a key element of the temporary feature gardens created as part of Harrogate flower shows each year.
Working alongside Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust in relocating one of the award winning 2024 gardens to create a restful and tranquil outdoor space for expectant mothers within the maternity unit has highlighted the benefits which plants and horticulture can bring to everyone.
We look forward to seeing the garden become an intrinsic part of the wellbeing of patients and staff alike over many years to come.
Leanne Likaj, associate director of midwifery at the hospital trust, said:
We are absolutely amazed with the transformation of the Pannal maternity ward garden following the very generous donation from the Harrogate flower show and the time of volunteers.
The new space has really brightened the environment making a breath of fresh air much more possible and enjoyable for people on the ward.
The bonus bench enables people to spend time in the area to enjoy the lovely plants and the relaxing environment created.
This can really help to boost the wellbeing, especially of people who have been inpatients for several days, and I'm sure the staff will enjoy the environment too.
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